Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

Source: Excerpts from “The Great Teaching of the Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig, Chapter 27c – “The Infinite Returns of Cherishing the Lotus Sutra”

Main Themes: The immense benefits and spiritual rewards associated with teaching, writing, studying, and internalizing the Lotus Sutra, particularly emphasizing the support of Samantabhadra.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• Samantabhadra’s Support: A central idea is that those who teach the Lotus Sutra receive significant support from Samantabhadra, who acts as a mentor and protector. “So, anyone who takes on the task of teaching this Lotus Sutra, especially here in our world, should recognize that they’re doing so because of the strength and support I provide. It’s like having an influential mentor backing you up on your career journey.” This support is framed as essential for success in spreading the teachings.
• Writing and Treasuring the Sutra: The act of writing down and treasuring the Lotus Sutra is highly valued and results in immense goodness and spiritual blessings. It leads to being touched by countless Buddhas and is likened to a valuable investment: “Writing down this Sutra is like investing in a spiritual 401(k); the returns are immeasurable.”
• Studying and Reflecting: The merits of studying and reflecting on the Sutra are portrayed as even greater than writing it down. Individuals who do so will be accompanied by a thousand Buddhas throughout their life and upon their transition to the next life: “The merits of studying and reflecting on this Sutra are even greater. A thousand Buddhas will be with you throughout, and as you transition from this life, you’ll be greeted by another thousand, ensuring you’re never lost.”
• Future Rebirth and Heavenly Realm: Those who dedicate themselves to the Lotus Sutra are promised a favorable rebirth in a heavenly realm where they can continue to learn and grow, surrounded by enlightened beings. This includes joining Maitreya, the future Buddha: “After this life, you’ll join the heavenly realm where Maitreya⁠, the future Buddha, resides. You’ll continue to learn and grow there, surrounded by enlightened and heavenly beings.”
• Guidance for the Wise: The excerpt directly encourages young people with wisdom to prioritize the Lotus Sutra: “So, young people with wisdom should prioritize writing, studying, and internalizing this Lotus Sutra. By doing so, you’re setting yourself up for a life—and beyond—filled with immeasurable qualities.”
• Samantabhadra as Guardian: Samantabhadra takes on the role of overseeing the spread of the Sutra and ensuring its flourishing, acting as a protector and facilitator. “I’ll oversee the spreading of this Sutra here, ensuring it flourishes. Think of me as this sacred text’s guardian or project manager.”

Overall Importance: The passage emphasizes the profound spiritual benefits of engaging with the Lotus Sutra, offering a pathway to immense goodness, enlightenment, and a favorable future rebirth, all facilitated by the support and guidance of Samantabhadra. It strongly encourages active participation in the Sutra’s teachings as a means to achieve lasting spiritual well-being.